High-speed circuit breaker reclosing mechanism



Aug. 3, 1943. J w w 2,326,061

HIGH SPEED CIRCUIT BREAKER RECLOSING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 20, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 m P m E R wnwssszs; 54 2 19M w/W Aug 3, 194-3. J. w. ow 2,326,061

HIGH SPEED CIRCUIT BREAKER RECLOSING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 20, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 all I I I a? a Z3 47 55 47 A. m L-- Q E x 7/ 7/ f C- as 1 8/ 63 "*1 a5 1 WITNESSES: 7 "1- INVENTOR 457%? F 12 e h/MO .1 .4. 5/

Patented Aug. 3, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WestinghouseElectric & Manufacturing Coma corporation of Application November 20, 1936, Serial No. 111,822

40 Claims.

My invention relates to circuit breaker operating mechanisms and more particularly to highspeed reclosing mechanism for circuit breakers used to control high voltage networks or power transmission systems, and has for an object the mechanism that is simple, eificient and very rapid and which is automatically operreclosing of the circuit breaker at an intermediate point in the opening stroke or at least by the time the breaker reaches full open position.

The circuit breakers or switches clesigned for such use are usually of relatively large size and considerable energy is necessary to close the breaker or switch; particularly in the cases where the circuit breakers are actuated to open position by strong opening forces or accelerating springs. j

It is extremely important that the circuit breakers, which have opened tem or network.

Heretofore it has been the general practice to use a solenoid or motor device for closing circuit breakers in such installations. This method while satisfactory in some respects has the distinct disadvantage that a relatively large amount of power is required in order to attain a rapid movement of the breaker to closed position, particularly when a large circuit breaker is involved. The large amount of power required necessitates extremely large currents with obvious resulting disadvantages. It has also been proposed to store energy in a device over an extended period of time by means of a low input motor and to uti lize the energy so stored to control the breaker. The mechanisms for carrying out this, the lastmentioned method. have been objectionable for several reasons. One reason was that the mechanisms involved occupied considerable space and were not entirely satisfactory in operation, another important reason being that the prior mechanisms were not capable of producing the very high speed opening and reclosing of the breaker which is now desired.

In order to obtain the desired high speed reclosing cycle, it is necessary to provide a circuit breaker operating means that is operable to initiate reclosing movement of the breaker immediately after the circuit is interrupted without allowing the breaker to move on to its full open position. As was previously pointed out in the copending application of J. B. MacNeill A. W. Hill, Serial No. 700,276, filed November 29, 1933, now Patent No. 2,125,835, assigned to the assignee of this invention. it has been found that in many modern circuit breakers, complete circuit interruption is accomplished when the moving contact member has travelled only a relatively small fraction of its full opening move ment. Thus, in a particular instance, when the travel of the movable contact member is 44 inches, it has been found that complete circuit interruption is attained when the movable contact member has travelled only 10 inches toward full open position. However, it is desirable to use a certain safety factor and therefore it has been found desirable to permit the movable contact member to travel a slightly greater distance, for example, 12 to 14 inches to insure interruption of the circuit before initiating reclosing. It is important, however, that the breaker be trip free of the closing means, i. e., capable of being opened irrespective of the closing move ment or position of the ciosing means; otherwise serious damage may be caused to apparatus in the system if the breaker is closed when a fault or other predetermined condition still exists in the system.

It isaccordingiy an object of my invention to provide an improved high speed reclosing mechanism for a circuit breaker.

Another object of my invention is the provision of an improved form of operating means for a circuit breaker for eiiecting high speed opening and closing of the breaker.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved form of circuit breaker operating means that is capable of delivering a large amount of power in, a short period of time to effect a very high speed closing of the circuit breaker and in which the breaker is trip free of the closing means.

Another object of my invention is the provision of operating mechanism for a circuit breaker which occupies a relativelysmall amount of space and which is simple, reliable in operation, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved operating mechanism for a circuit breaker characterized by the use of one or more spiral power springs, in which energy is stored and releasably held, for closing the breaker.

Another object of my invention is the pro- Vision of an improved operating mechanism for' a 'er and trip free thrust an improved operating breaker is trip free of the "last two objects of John B. MacNeill and Alan circuit breaker embodying an energy storing device for closing the breaker in which the energy is automatically restored after each closure of Another object or" my invention is the provision":

of an improved operating mechanism for a cir- 'cuit breaker embodying one, or more, spiral power the desired fast reclosing cycle and novelly incorporates a feature that makes the breaker trip free of the closing means. 7

The novel features that are considered characteristic of my invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims; the invention itself, however, both as to structure and operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood read in connection with the accompanying drawj V ings, in which:

springs for closing the breaker, and a trip-free clutch mechanism for efiecting a driving connection between the springs and the breaker operating member.

Another object of my invention is to provide breaker embodying an energy storing device in the form. of a spiral power spring which is releasable to close the breaker, in which a band friction clutch and an electromagnetic clutch are interposed in series between the power spring and the breaker for effecting a driving connection therebetweenn H Another object of the invention is the provision of a circuit breaker operating means thatis operable at a predeter -ined point in the opening movement of the breaker immediately after the circuit is interrupted to initiate reclosing of the breaker before the breaker reaches full open position.

mechanism for a circuit Another object of the invention is theprovision of ja'circuit breaker operating means'embodying a closing means that is automatically operable to initiate reclosingof the breaker as soon as the circuit is interrupted and before the breaker reaches full open position, and in which the closing means These are carried out in the specific embodiment of the invention shown' and described by a closing device comprising a power spring in whichenergy is stored and releasably held. The springis automatically released and clutched to the breaker at a point in the opening immediately after the circuit is interruptedv and before the full open position of the breaker has been reached. This effects the ,de-

ired high speed reclosing cycle. The breaker is movement trip free of the closing spring by reason of the fact that the electromagnet clutch can be released by a trip means so that the breaker is disconnected from the closing spring.

Another object of my invention lS llhel provision of an improved operating mechanism for a circuit breaker embodying an energy storing device for closing the breaker in which anovel form of releasableholding means isprovidedforholding the breaker in closed circuit position together with an electro-responsivetrip device for'releasing said holding means.

i The problem of providing a fast reclosing cycle 1? circuit breaker hasproved diificult of a satisfactory solution.

One form of apparatus for accomplishing a'fa's't reclosing cycle has been de scribed and claimed in the copending application W Hill, Serial No. 709,276, filed onNovember 29, 1.933 new Patent No. 2,125,835, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In the apparatus of the above-mentioned copending application, however, the circuit breaker is not trip free of the closing means. The present'invention, provides an improved circuit breaker operating means for accomplishing best shown embodying the features of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the mecha nism illustrated in Fig. 1 taken on the line IL-II thereof, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the operat ing mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1 taken on the line III- II thereoi looking in the direction of the arrows; f V j Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view showin a portion of the mechanism, together with one of the con trol switches; a .j v

Fig. 5 is a wiring diagram illustrating one'manher of connecting apparatus in afcontrol circuit; and v y 4 Fig. 6 is a fragmentary View, on a reduced scale, of the'right hand end oftlie'apparatus shown inFig.1.,

The operating mechanism comprises, in general, a base I, a frame comprising apair of'sl pports 9, an energy storingdevice indicated generally at I l for closingthe circuit breaker, a band friction 'electromag'netically controlled clutch indicated generally at l3 for transmitting the energy when'released to the breaker operating member;

position, a. motor I? for storing energy. in the energy storing device, an electromagnetic power latch indicated generally at l9 for holding the energy stored in said device, and a plurality of control circuits for controlling the various elements. I

w The entire operating mechanism for the circuit breaker is supported by the base i .which may be of any suitable material, preferably meta1; A pair. of vertical supports't are secured to the. base 1 by meansof threaded boltsii, which are adapted to pass through flange portions 23 of the supports 9 and engage in threaded open; ings'provided in the base if, If desired, the vertical supports 9 may be secured to the base I byvariousother means, as for example by weld ing or they may beforme d, integral with the base. Each of the supports ills divided into two sections, as shown in Fig. 6, each section being provided with a semi-circular bearing for receiving a shaft 27. The shaft El is adapted to be rotatably mounted in the bearing. portions 25. The sections are held together by means. of threaded bolts 29 which pass through extensions 3| provided on each section, the lower ,extensions 3| being provided with threaded openings to receivev threaded portions ofthe bolts 29. A means is provided for adjusting the position of the shaft 21 and for holding the same against rotation in its adjusted position; This means, in Fig. 6, comprises. a lever arm 39 having a square opening in the rounded end thereof for receiving a squared portion 32 at the free end of the shaft 21. Theend of'the lever arm 30 extends to a position between two adjustfrom the following (16' tailed description of a specific embodiment when p lng bolts 34 carried by lugs 38 formed integral with the support 9. Lock nuts 38 are provided for locking the adjusting bolts in adjusted position. The adjusting bolts 34 and the lever arm 30 provide'a means for introducing any desired initial tension in the springs 33 to be hereinafter described and also function to hold the shaft 21 in fixed adjusted position against rotation.

The energy storing device for supplying the power required for closing the circuit breaker and the means for storing energy therein are similar in some respects to the energy storing device and the means for storing energy therein disclosed and claimed in the copending application of Joseph Wt Ow and E. K. Read, Serial 109,702, filed on November 7; 1936, assigned to the assignee of this invention, and which is now Patent No. 2,140,371 granted December 13, 1938.

The energy storing device comprises one or more spiral power springs 33. The inner ends of the springs are secured to a flattened portion of the shaft 21 by means of bolts 35. The outer ends of the spiral springs are secured to a U- shaped bail 31 by means of bolts 39. The legs of the U-shaped bail are provided with openings for rotatably mounting the same upon cylindrical portions 4| of the fixed shaft 21.

A power latch indicated generally at It! is provided for holding the spring bail 31 in position with the springs flexed with energy stored therein. The power latch illustrated comprises a support 45 secured to the base 1 by means of bolts 41, a U-shaped bracket 49 (Fig. 3) for pivotally supporting a latch member a spring 53 connected in tension between one end of the latch 5| and a lug 55 on the base 65-, and an electromagnet 51 cooperating with an armature carried by the nose of the latch 5|. A lug 6| is secured to the bail by any suitable means, as by and is" adapted to be engaged by the latch 5| to hold the bail 31 in energy stored position with the power springs 33 flexed. The electromagnet 51 is adapted to be energized to the spring ball 31.

Themeans for flexing the spring for storing energy therein comprises a motor |1 adapted to drive a shaft 53 by means of a Worm 65 and a worm gear 51. The shaft 53 has secured thereto a disc 65 provided with a lug 1| of semi-circularcross-section, as shown in Fig. 4. The lug 1| and the disc 69 constitute a crank arm for rotating the bailiil to flex the power springs and thus store energy therein. The lug 1| is adapted to engage a lug 13 secured to the ball 31. The disc 69 when rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4, causes the lug 1| to engage and drive the lug 13 to effect a partial rotation of the bail 31. 'When the bail has been rotated to a position 15 (see Fig. 4), the latch 5! (Fig. 3) engages the lug 6| to hold the bail in energy stored position. The normal position of the parts described, above is illustrated in Fig. 4. The normal position of the lug 1| indicated at 11 is such that it just clears the lug 13, the bail being held in latched position by the latch 5!. When the bail arrives at latched position, the lug 13 engages and moves a plunger 19 to open a limit switch 8! connected in the motor circuit. The slight ovei'travel of the motor causes the lug 1! to move to the normal position 11. Upon release of the bail 31, the spiral power springs discharge their energy and cause T biased to the open circuit rotation of the ball 31 to a position 83 to effect a closing operation of the circuit, as will be hereinafter described. Movement of the bail from the normal latched position effects a release of Rotation of the shaft 63 causes the disc 69 to be driven in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in 4, the lug from the position 11 to a position 81, in which it engages the lug 13 secured to the bail 31. Continued rotation of the motor causes the to drive the lug 13 and rotate the bail its normal energy stored or charged position, in which it is relatched by the latch 5|. At this time the motor circuit is again opened matically restored in the power springs immediately after each release of the same, and the power springs and bail are held in a normal en ergy stored or charged position ready to effect a subsequent closing operation of the circuit breaker.

The circuit breaker (not shown) is adapted to be lever or by any other suitable means. ating member 89 is pivotally connected by of a pin 9| to a pair of circuit breaker operating levers 9-3. The circuit breaker operating levers 93 are secured for movement together by means of the pin 9| and the nut, bolt bly 95. Y are connected to bearin rings 91 mounted for rotation on a pair of drums to be hereinafter described. The particular structure of the circuit breaker which the apparatus is adapted to control is not an important part of my inventio Any conventional form of circuit breaker which is means It is breaking the connection between the spring bail 31 and th breaker operating levers 93 at any time while iare in driving engagement in order to preven Hie contact members of the circuit breaker fro 1 completely closing when a short circuit or overload occurs on the circuit controlled by breaker. It is also desirabl that the driving connec ion may be effected at any time even d= g the movement of the circuit breaker to the open circuit position order that the breaker may be driven back to closed position before it has completed its opening movement. The connecting means for performing these functions will now be described.

the bearings rings 9'! The magnetic core H9 is scribed. When the power spring bail is released Fig. 3, by means of clutch band 1&3, theupperend: or high, torque end of; which issecured to'the breaker levers. and to by means of a bolt 1G5. The clutch band is in the formtofna helix Wound around the drum 99 witha'slightclearance therefrom so that it iscapable of rotating on the drum. The low torque end lfl'loftthehelical band is secured to a rotatable wheel use by any suitable means. The wheel liid is rotatably mounted on a sleeve ii formed integral'with the drum 99 or keyed thereto by a key connection M3,;as shown in Fig,- 1. An electromagnetic clutch indicatedgenerally at l 55 is provided for clutching the bail 3'! and drum 99 to the wheel Hit. A clutch coil l H. is mounted within a housing core H9 of magnetic material. The core H?) is provided with a face lZl adapted to be clutched to face plate J23 connected by means of a diaphragm 25 to the wheel M3. Th diaphragm is connected to the wheel I89 and the clutch plate i23 by means of bolt assem blies, as. shown in Fig 1. The clutch plate H3 is rotatably mounted on the sleeve i i. .It willithus be seen. that the clutch plate is capable ofislight longitudinal movement along the sleeve iii and yet is secured for rotation with the wheel lot. A friction band l2? may be plate !'23 to insure a better frictional between the surface iiii of the core clutch plate E23. The friction band 52'! may be secured to the clutch plate in any suitable man-.-

i: which maybe either of: the circuit breaker.

5 i7 is energized,

' the drum 99,thus allowing the drum 93 to consecured to the'clutch 1 engagement f H9 and the nor, as, for example, by rivets, as shown in 1. Q

mounted for rotation.

with the sleeve i ii and the drum 99 by means'of a'suitable key connection to said sleeve. .The

above described clutch mechanism tic-similar in some respects to the'clutch mechanism described and claimed in the copending application of'Paul V Dufling and Walter Hergert, Serial No. 613,456,

filedl/iay 25, 1932, assigned to the assignee-of this invention; and which is new Patent No. 2,668/iil2, issued January 19,1937. l

The clutch coil H! is adapted to be energized simultaneously with the energization of the. power latch electromagnet coil 5?, as will be hereinafter described in connection with the description of V the control circuits illustrated in Fig. 5. I

friction electromag- .The operation of the band netic clutching arrangement will now be declutch coil H1 are simultaneously energized, the by the latch El and is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in the energy stored in the power springs The drum s being secured to the baiL-and the sleeve HI and the core H9 being connected to the drum; these elements will be rotated by said springs. The coil l i! being energized attracts the clutch plate I23 and drives-the same by reason. of the clutching engagement of the surfaces l2? and HI. Rotation of the clutch plate 23 effects rotation of the wheel I99, the rotation of which causes the turns of the helical band to successively tighten and frictionally engage the drum The high torque end of the helical band being connected to the breaker operating lever causes rotation of the same to efiect latch coil 51 and the engaging position by means of tinue its rotation and at the same time allowing the breaker to move under its bias to the open circuit position, during which movement the helical band is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction about the drum so. breaker and the breakercperating member are trip-free in any position of the drum 9%, and the breaker can be tripped to open position even during a closingoperation by deenergizationjof thecoilil'l. v

The circuit breaker being of the type which is biased to open circuit position by gravity and accelerating springs or both, a means must be provided'for releasably holding the breaker in closed circuit position. Thepreterred form of latch means for holding thecircuit breaker oper 'ating member in a closed circuit position will now be described. A stationary'clrum 129' is I mounted on the support 9 by any'suitable means [drum so-that it can rotate thereon. The'high torque end of the helical band 133 is adapted to be secured to one of the breaker operating levers 93 by means of a bolt l35. The low torque end of the helical band I33 is provided with a latch shoulder i531 (Fig. 2) adapted to be engagedbya latch 939 which is pivotally mounted onthe upper section of one of the vertical supports 9 by means of a bracket Mi. The latch i3?! is biased to latch the coil spring Hi3 (Fig. 1) held in compression between the latch and a socket Hi5 provided in a projection Hi1 formed integral with the upper section of the vertical support 8. A shunt trip electromagnet M9 ismountedon the upper'section of the vertical support?! by means of a bracket Hill. An

armature U53 is pivotally' mounted adjacent vlow torque end of the helical band. The operation of the latch means is as'fcllows: When the breaker is moved to closed position by means of the spring bail 3'! as described in a preceding paragraph, the helical band 323 is rotated in a clockwise direction about the stationary drum lit-so as to move the latch shoulder on the band toward the position shown in Fig. 2.1 The latch shoulder I3! is so positioned on the low torque end of the'helical band that the slight overtravel V of the breaker levers past closed circuit position causes the latch shoulder 3? to move under'the latch I59 so as to I be engaged thereby. The

By this structure the current-responsive overload trip coil I15.

breaker bias returns the breaker levers from their overtravel position to the normal closed circuit position, and in so doing band I33 on the drum I29, since the lightload end of the band is held in positive latched position; It will thus be seen that the light load latch I39 provides a means for effectively holding the breaker in closed circuit position against the bias of gravity and the accelerating springs by reason of the latch I39 engaging the shoulder I31 plus the frictional engagement of the helical band I33 on the drum I29. The breaker may be tripped to open position by energizing the shunt trip electromagnet I49 which causes the armature thereof to release the latch I39 thus releasing the helical band from its engagement with the drum I29. The breaker is now free to move to opencircuit position under its own bias. The control circuit for the apparatus is illustratcd diagrammatically in Fig. and will now be described. Themotor I1 is connected in serice with no limit switch 8i across supply lines L1, L2. The electromagnetic shunt trip coil I49 is connected in series with a manualor relay controlled switch I59 across said supply lines. The clutch coil I i! and the power latch coil 51 are connected in parallel by a lead IBI and a common lead I313 across the supply linesLi, L2. A manual control or relay controlled switch I65 is interposed in series in the common leadl63. A relay switch N51 is connected in series with a second common lead IE9 'for the clutch coil and the power latchccll. The branch lead I" for the clutch coil has connected in series therewith a relay switch I13 adapted to be controlled by a The coil I15 is adapted to be coupled to the circuit controlled by the circuit breaker and is responsive to a predetermined overload to open the branch circuit I'II of the clutch coil. If desired, the trip coil I15 may be arranged to open its contacts I13 in response to some other predetermined condition .in the system or network in ways well'known in the art. Relay'switch I61 is controlled by a relay coil I11 connected in a circuit across the supply lines L1, L2. The relay coil IE1 is adapted to be controlled by an interlock svritch I19 associated with the breaker. The interlock switch is adapted to be closed at a predetermined point in the movement of the breaker toward open tends to tighten the reclosing operation of the circuit A selective switch I18 is interposed in the circuit of the relay I61. The switch I18 is adapted to be controlled by a relay from some remote point for selectively rendering the relay I 61 operable or inoperable to effect the automatic fast reclosing cycle when the interlock switch is closed. An additional switch (not shown) may be provided in the circuitof the relay I61 for opening the same after a predetermined number or 'reclosing operations in'any well known manner.

The operation of the control apparatus will now be briefly described. With the parts in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 5, that is, with the springs in energy stored position and the bail in latched position and with the breaker in the'full open circuit position; if it is desired to close the circuit breaker, the manual or relay controlled switch 55, is closed for completing the circuit to the power latch coil 51'and the clutch coil H1.

Eherg'ization of the latch coil 51' effects a release of the spring bail by the latch 5|. The spring bail is rotated in a clockwise diection by means of the energy stored in the power springs, and since the clutch coil H1 is simultaneously energized, the motion of the spring bail 31 is transmitted through the drum 99, the core III, clutch plate I23 (the clutch being energized), and wheel I09 to the low'torque end of the helical band I03. A slight rotation of the wheel I09 causes the band I03 to tighten and frictionally engage the drum 95. The movement of the bail 37 now transmitted directly from the drum 9! through the helical band I03 to the breaker operating levers 93 causing rotation of the same to effect a closing operation of the breaker by the operating member 83. If the trip coil I15 is operated to open the contacts I13 during the rotation of the drum 39 to close the breaker, as for exam ple in response to some predetermined condition in the system. or network, the clutch coil will be immediately deenergized. Deenergization of the clutch coil II'I releases the band I from its engagement with breaker to move under its bias to open circuit position. and also allowing the drum 99 to continue its rotation in a clockwise closing direction until the springs are unwound. As soon as the spring bail moves away from its normal charged position, the'circuit to the motor is established by means of the. closing of the limit switch (it. Thus the breaker is always trip free of the closing means, i. e., the. breaker can be opened irrespective of the position or closing movement of closing means because the clutch is operable to release the breaker from the closingmeans. The, motor drivesthe crank comprisins the. 1g 1! and the disc 69 so as to restore onorgy in the. springs 33 by rotating the bail back to. its normal, position as soon. as the sprinss have completely discharged their energy. When the bail is driven. back t its original o norma position, it is. reengaged by the latch 5| so that the sprinssand bail are in position to efiect a subsequent reclosingoperation.

As. the breaker is actuated to closed position, the helical band I33 is rotated in a clockwise dithe. stationary drum I29. and. if there is no abnormal condition. present in the sition the latch shoulder I31 moves under the latch I 39. During the return movement of the breaker from its over-travel, the helical band I33 is tightened to frictionally engage the stationary drum. The latch I39 thus effectively holds the low torque end of the helical band, so that the frictional engagement of the coils of the. band about the drum effectively holds the circuit breaker in closed circuit position. Upon completion of the closing operation, the clutch coil is deenergized in any conventional manner, for example, by the opening of an auxiliary switch (not shown) arranged to open upon. completion of the closina operation of the mechanism or breaker. I

If it is. desired to open the breaker, the manual or relay controlled switch I59 is closed to energize the shunt trip coil I49. Energization of the coil I48 causes the armature I53 to move the latch I39 to release the low torque end of the helical band $33. The release of the low torque end of the. helical band causes all the turns of the 'of the helical band [63. The

' ages-r the drum to halt bandto releasetheir frictional grip on' the drum l29 to thus free the breaker levers, so that the breaker can move to the open circuit position under its ownbias. Ii-desired, otherv electroresponsive trip devices may be provided for moving the latch I39 to the released position in response to different predetermined conditions. For ;example, thershunt trip coil Hi9 which: releases the breaker latch ltd may be arranged to be energizedto cause automatic opening or'the breakerjinrespon'se to some predetermined ab-' normal conditions in the system or network, as

for example, an overload condition. This can be carried'outin a number of ways well known in the art.

If quick automatic reclosing operation of the breakerlis desired, the selective control switch H8 in the circuit of the relay lll is closed. When the breaker is tripped open in response to an abnormal condition or overload in the main circuit,

the relay IE1 is energized at a predetermined point in the'opening movement of the breaker by theclosing of the interlock switch HQ, namely, at some point just after the are formed incident to opening'the breaker has been extinguished, to close the relay contacts it? for simultaneously energizing the power latch coil 51 and the clutch coil l l'l. Energization of the power latch coil and the clutch coil effects a release of the spring bail'in its normal charged position by thelatch friend a clutchingvoi the 7 wheel I69 and the'low torque end movement or the breaker levertowards openposition applied to thehigh torqueend or the band Hi3, and the rodrum to the tation or the wheel 189 by the spring bail 3i,

drumxfiil and coil i-I i'l ening of the band- I03, so that-itfrictionally enthe movement ofxthe breaker towards open position and immediately transmits the motion of the drum 99 to said breaker lever to effe'ctquick reclosing operation of the circuit breaker.

By this arrangement it is not necessary to wait until the breaker reaches full open position before effecting a reclosing operation, and the time necessary for reclosing the breaker is thus materially reduced.

' such surfaces are subject to a-considerable'load, I and for this reason the latch device is considered the more eflicient method of releasably holding the breaker in the closed circuit position it the breaker is of very largesize. If desired, a drum and band friction light-load latch arrangement may be substituted for the power latch to hold the spring bail in the normal energy stored or charged position. In such case an additional drum and helical band having a latch device for engaging and holding the light-load end of the helical band,

ing the breaker in closed circuit position, would be provided. Various changes could also be made in the connection of the apparatus in a control circuit. If desired, a crank means may be proimm'ediately causes tight-- band friction light-load vided for manually operating the shaft .63 for storing energy inithepower springs. This means might-consist or anextension (not shown) formed integral-with the. shaft carrying-the worm lifi. 'I'hefree end of the extension would be provided with a crank portion adaptedto receive a hand crank, not shown. 'By such means the disk- 59 could be: operatedto; rotate the'bail S1 to its normal energystored or charged po-' sition. .In addition to manually storing energy in the springs, the manually controlled crank to various positions for adjustment or repair by releasing the power latch and then hand-cranking the motor shaft so as to move the breaker to any desired position for such purposes. The number of'springs may be increased or decreased to suit the particular power requirements of the apparatus,

The motormay be ofrelatively-small size and the arrangement of the gears such that the motor completes its energy-storing cycle in any desired period of time. The size of the motor and arrangement of the. gears may be changed to meet the particular requirements or needs.

It will thus be seen that I have provided an improved high-speed, reclosing mechanism in which a relatively large amount of energy may be stored for effecting the closing operationof the breaker, which requires 'onlyasmall input device forstoring the energy necessary for effecting such operation, the arrangement being such that the energyisautomatically restored in such device immediately after the release thereof, so

that the apparatus is normally held in a condition ready to eflfect'rapidsubsequent reclosing operations. The mechanism is operableto initiate reclosing operation, of the breaker at an intermediate point in the opening'stroke before the breaker reaches full open position and the breaker is trip-free of the closing means.

' similartothe corresponding elements for holdtheinvention.

this invention,

By the use of the spiral power springs and the specific arrangement for storing energy therein, I have eiiected considerable reduction in the space necessary iorthe apparatus as compared with the amount of space utilized by other forms of control apparatus of comparable power. The mechanism also includes an improvedmeans for transmitting the energystored in the power springsto the breaker operating member, which transmitting means is trip-free in any position er the parts, thus providing a desirable safety factor. The improved form of transmitting means also permits a driving connection to be established between the power springs and the breaker operating member during opening movement of the circuit breaker, so as to provide a fast reclosing cycle. 7

The present invention in certain aspects forms a further development of and improvement over disclosed in my copending applicaticn for Control apparatus, Serial No. 97,936, filed August 2611936, assigned to the assignee of "and which is now Patent No. 2,157,863 granted May 9,1939. ;While a specific term of the invention has been illustrated, it is. obvious that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and I desire therefore, that the invention be limited only by the prior art, and the scope of the following claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a'control apparatus for a circuit breaker, an operating member connected to the breakcould .be used to slowly move the circuit breaker er to, open or close -operable to provide a the, same, an. energy. stor-v ing device, meansfor storing energy in said device, means for releasably holding the energy stored in said device, means including a clutch mechanism interposed between said device and said. operating member operable to transmit the stored energy when releasedfrom said device to said operating member to close the breaker, and means for releasing said holding means and simulta-neously'operating said clutch mechanism to close the breaker.

2. In a control apparatus for .a circuit breaker, an operating member connected to the break er'to open or close the same, spiral power spring means, means forfiexing said spring means to store energy therein, means for releasably holding said spring means-in flexed position, means including .a clutch mechanism interposed between said spring means and said operating member driving .connection between the spring means and the operating member, and means for releasing said spring holding means and simultaneously operating said iclutch mechanism :to close thebreaker.

.3. In a control apparatus for a circuit break ler, an operatin member connected to the circuit breaker :biased to an openoirouit position and movable to a closed circuit position to open or .close the breaker, aspirai power spring, means for flexing said spring to store energ-ytherein, means forreleasably holdingsaid spring in flexed position, means including a trip-free clutch mechanism'interpc-sed between .said spring and said operating member operable to eiiect adriving connection between the spring and operating member, means for releasing said spring .holding means and simultaneously operating said :clutch'mechanism to cause said spring :to move and operating member to the closedcircuit position, means for .releasably holding said operating member in the closed circuit position, and .a trip device for releasing said last-mentioned holding means.

4. In acontrol apparatus for a circuit breaker, .an operating member connected to the breaker to open or close the same, .a power spring, means for tensioning'said spring to store .=energy therein, means for releasablyiholding said spring in tensioned position means including aclutch mechanism interposed between said spring and said operating member operable to provide a driving connection therebetween, means for releasing said spring holding :means and operating said :clutch mechanism to cause said spring I to close the breaker.

5."In a control apparatus foracircuit break- 'er,an operating member or movable to open or close the same,.a-power connected toithe breakspring, means for flexing said spring to store energy'therein, means for releasablyholding said spring in flexed position, means including a clutch mechanism interposed between said'spring and said operatingmemberoperableto effect a driving connection between the two, an ;electromagnet for operating said clutch mechanism, means for releasing said holding means and energizing said electromagnet :to cause said spring to close the breaker.

' -6. In acontrol apparatus for a circuit breaker, an operatingmember connected tozthe break er movableto open-or close thesame, a'spiral power spring, means 'for flexing said spring to store energy therein, means for releasably holdingsaid-spring infiexedpos'ition, means including a clutch mechanism interposed: between: said spring and said operating :membenoperable to causesaid spring to close said ing said spring sto store ..for'releasab1y holding said springin flexed posi- .erating member operable vgizing said electromagnets tocause toclose the breaker, means for releasably holding said operating member in the closedcircuit fiect a drivin conn tion between t we, all electromagnet o Op r i s d c ut h m s-ab n sm. means for re eas n sa d bo dns means and energizing said electromagnet to cause said spring to clos the breaker.

7. In a control apparatus for a circuit break? er, an operating member connected to the break.- er movable to open or close the same, spring means, means for flexing said spr n means to store energy therein, means for releasably hold,- ing s id spring m ns in fl ed it on m ans including a band friction clutch mechanism in? terposed between said spring means and operating member operable to effect a driving connection between the two, an electromagnet for operating said clutch mechanism, means for releasing said holding means and energizing electromagnet to cause said springmeans to close the breaker.

ing said spring in flexed position, means includin .a .band friction clutch m c n m inte posed between said spring and said operating member operable to effect a driving connection between the two, an electromagnet tor operating said clutch mechanism, means for releas .ing said holding means and energizingsaidelcc.- tromagnet to cause said spring to close the breaker.

'9. In a control apparatus for a -circ uit breaker, an operating member connected to thebreak- .er movable :to openor close the same, a spiral power spring, means .for flexing said spring to store energy therein, means for ,releasably holding the spring in flexed position, an electromagnet for-releasing said holding means, means including a clutch ;mechanism interposed between said spring and said operating member operable to efiect a driving connection between ,the :two, a second electromagnet foroperating said clutch -mechanism to effectsaid connection, means for simultaneously energizing said electromagnetsto breaker.

apparatus icr a circuit member connected to the open circuit position and -10. In a control close the breaker, apower sprin ,;means for flexenergy therein, means tion, an electromagnet for releasingsaid hold- .ing means, means including a clutch mechanisminterposedbetween the springand ,the opto-effectadrivingconnection between the two, a second electromagnetioroperating said clutch mechanismtoeiliect said connection, means for simultaneously eners sprin position, a trip device for ,.releasing said last- .mentionedholding means, andmeans for. deener- .gizing said second electromagnetto clutch mechanism conditions.

release said in response to predetermined 11. Ina control apparatusfcra circuit break ,er, an operatingme-mber.connected-to the-breaker .biased to an .open. circuit position and movable to a .closed circuit position :to --open or closethe breaker, a spiral power spring, means for.flexing said springito storeenergytherein, meansfonreleasably holding. said spring indexed the breaker,

holding means, means including a cause said spring to close the :the' operating member ing connection between the ,two, a second elecfor deenergizing said response .to predetermi said spring to close the'breaker, means, for releasably holding said operating member in the closed circuit position-{and a trip device re sponsive to predetermined conditions for releasing said last-mentioned holding mean'sli 12. In a control apparatus for a circuit breaker, an operating member connectedto thebreak er biased to an open circuit position and movable to a closed circuit position to open or close a spiral power spring, means for lexing said spring to store energy therein,

means for releasably holding said spring in flexed position, an electroma'gnet for releasing 'said trip-free band friction clutch mechanism interposedbetween the spring and the "operating member operable to effect a driving connection between the" two, a second electromagnet for operating said clutch mechanism to efiect said connection, means for simultaneously energizing said electromagnets to breaker, means for releasably holding said operating member in the closed circuit position, a trip device for rele'asing said last-mentioned means for deenergizing said second'electromagnet to release said clutch in response to predetermined conditions. a

13. In a control apparatus-for a circuit breaker, an operating member connected to the breaker movable to open or close'the same, a spiral power spring, means for flexing said spring to store energy therein, means'for releasably'holding said spring in flexed-position, a band friction clutch mechanism interposed between said spring and said operating member operable to effect a driving connectionbetweenthe two,- said clutch mechanism comprising a'drum connected helical band disposed around to said spring, a said'drum having the high torque endconnected to said operating member and an electromagnetic clutch disposed between the low torque end of the band and said drum the breaker, a power spring, means for flexing said spring to store energy therein, means for releasably holding said spring in flexed. position, an electromagnet'for releasing said holding means, means including a trip-free clutch mechanism interposed between the spring and operableto effect a drivtromagnet for operating said clutchmechanism to enect said connection, means fonsimultaneously energizing said electromagnets at a predetermined point in the opening movement of said" breaker to cause said spring to stop the .openand reclose the breaker, means second electromagnet in ed conditions,imeansz for operating member the ing movement releasably holding said holding means; and

for'efiecting a driving 7 connection therebetween," means 'for releasing and substantially circuit position and mov- I 'able to a closed circuit position to open or close closed .circuit position, and a' trip device for releasing said last-mentioned holding meansto allow said breaker to move to the open circuit position. 1

7 15.- Ina control apparatus for a. circuit breaker, an operatin member connected to the breaker biased to an open circuit position and mov-- able toa closed circuit position, a: power spring,

an electric motor means for flexing'said spring to store energy'therein, a motor circuit for operating said motor, a, limit switchin said circuit opened when said spring reaches said flexed position,:means iorreleasablyholding said spring in the flexed position; means including a :releasable clutch mechanism interposed between saidspring-and'said operating member :operable to effect a driving connection therebetween, means for releasing said spring simultaneously'operating said clutch mechanism to'close the breaker, means for releasably holding said operating memberin the closed circuit position, a trip device for releasing said last-mentioned holding means to allowsaid breaker to open, and means for. releasing said clutch mechanism to disconnect said driving connection between said spring and the operating member. in re'sponseto predetermined conditions. I

' 16. In a control apparatus for a circuit breaker, an operating member connected to the breaker movable'to open or close the same, a power spring, an electric -motor means for flexing said spring to store energy therein, a motor circuit for operating said motor, a limit switch in said circuit adapted to be opened when said spring reaches its flexed position, meansfor releasably holding said spring in flexed position, meansincluding a clutch mechanism interposedbetween said spring and said member operable to; eiiect a driving connection therebetween, and means for releasinglsaid holdingmeans and simultaneously operating said: clutch means vforrcausing said spring to move said operating'rnember to close the breaker. .l'LIn a control apparatus for a circuit breaker, an operating member connected to the breaker biased to an open circuit position and movable to a closed circuit position, a power spring,

means for flexing said spring to store energy therein, means for releasably holding said spring in flexed position, a clutch mechanism interposed between said spring and said member operable toyefiect .a driving connection ,therebetween, -means for releasing said holding means and simultaneously operating said clutch mechanism to cause said spring to closethe breaker, means for releasably holding said operating; member in the closed circuit positioncomprisinga stationary drum, a helical band rotatably disposed around said .drum having ,its hightorque end connected to the operating mmeber, latch means for engaging: and releasably, holding the low torque end of said band, when the operating member is in the:closed'circuit position whereby the bias of the operatingmember in said 7 position causes .tionally grip said drum, and means for releas- .said band to tighten and fricing said latch means to allow said breaker to open. f 18. In a control apparatus for a circuit break- 7 er, an operating member connected to the breaker movable to open or close thesame, a plurality of spiral power springs, means for flexing said springs to storeienergytherein, means for releasably holdingsaid springs in: flexed position, means including a band ,friction clutch holding means and between said, springs and ing; connectiom ther etwe m an e ectr ma ne for; releasing; saidspring holding means, a sec..

ond electroma net, foroperating] said clutch mechanism; .andtmeans. for. simultaneously energizingz said: electromagnets to cause said, springs to move: said operating member to, close, the breaker.

19;. Ima control apparatus for a circuit breaker, an-l operating;memberconnected to the circuit; breaker biased to an. open circuit position andmovable to, a closed circuitposition to open or to'closethe; breaker, a plurality of spiral power springs having: their stationary shaft and toabail rotatably mountedon saidshaft, means o ating;- sa d had to, flex, said springs, means for releasably holding saidspringsfiexed, a drum securedto saidbail for rotation therewith, a. helical band rotatably disposed around said drum havin its. high torque endv connected to said operating. member, an electromagnetic clutch interposed between. the low. torqueendot saidband andthe drum operable, to} effect. a driving connection. therebetween means for, releasing. said bail and simultaneous- 1y. energizing; said clutch to c use said springs rating member to close theak r, latch. means, for holding the operating to. moviev said e member in the: cl s d. o rou t os i n- 20... Inacontrol apparatus for av circuit break en. an. operating. member conne t d. to t e C cuit breaker biased to an open circuit position inner ends seouredto a their outer ends secured.

said. ball in. position with.

of the circuit and movableto a closed. circuitposlti in to open,

or close the breaker, aplurality o f spiral power sprin s having their nner nds. e u ed. to, a.

stationary shaf ndithei ou endsseou d, to. a ail r tata l ounted n sai shaft eans for. ro a ng saidba-il' to fl x aid, pr n s, me ns for releasably holding said ball in position with said springsfiexed, a drumv for rotation therewith, a, helical band rotatably d sposed. round said drumbav ne i hi h o ue. to said; op tin m m er a elecend, conneoted tromagnetio clutch interposed betweenthe low torque en f; s id b nd. di he, drum e ble to efl'ect a driving oonneotion herebe enj eans. fo re eas ng said. ball and. s. nn lt ler.

us y ner iz ng said c utch to cause aid r n s to move. said op rating. m mbe t c o e he.

br aken. a band. fr ction. l ht. oad, at me ns. or holding. the. operati g embe j e c trip. device 0. 7 releasing].

ircuit pos on, nd a id. la ohmeans, Q

2. In. a. c tr l apparatusv fo a c cui r a en. nopera ing member c nne ted o th eakn. b as d. to n. open circuit posi i n and movable to, a closed circuit position to open or'close he br aker,. p wer pr n mean motor an for flexing said spring. means to store energy therein, latch means for releasably holding said spring means in. flexed. o iti n. sa d. mo r m an be ng. automatically ope abl s ns o eea e. f said spr means t r flex ai s r n mean to re tore ene y there n, mea no udn a trioree clutc ch nism. n e po ed. eeen said. pring mea and id operat member and an electromagnet for operating the lut h t eileo a d ivi g oonn ion b we ai s r n m an and sai an electromagnet for releasing said latch means, means, for Simultaneously energizing said e1e c-.

, ma nets; o ca se sai sprin t m e a d n the breaker, a second, latch means, for releasably holding said operate.

crating member to close secured to said bail.

pe a i mo be ing member in the closed circuit position, and a trip device for releasing said second latch 63 15:

22. Ina control apparatus for a circuit breaker, an operating member connected to the breaker movable to open or close the same, a spiral power spring means for flexing said spring to store energytherein, means forreleasably holdsaid spring and said member to effect a driving connection therebetween, and means for simultaneously, releasing said spring holding means andenergizing said electromagnetic clutch to causesaid spring to drive said operating memher to close said breaker.

23, In combination, a circuit breaker having anoperating member biased toopen circuit position andmovable to closed circuit position, means for releasably holding said member in closed cir-, cuit position operable. in response to predeter-. mined conditions. to release said member, reclosing means operable to, halt opening movement of said operating memberfollowing interruption and before said member reaches turn said member to closed circuit position, said last-mentioned means comprising a releasable power spring and means including a clutch for establishing a driving coonnection between the spring and said operating member to cause the spring when released to move the operating member to closed circuit position.

2 4 The combination with a circuit breaker having an operating member movable to open and to closed circuit position to open and to. close the circuit, of a control apparatus for said breaker comprising an energy storing driving device for effecting closing of the breaker, said energy storing driving device constituting the only power device for closing said circuit breaker; means for storing energy in said device at a time prior to effective a driving connection of said device to said operating member, means operable to establish a driving connection be- V to relea e Said driving tween said device and said member and to cause said device to move said member to closed circuit position, said last-mentioned means being. operable during an opening operation of the. breaker to effect said driving connection and cause said device to initiate movement of said operating member to closed circuit position before said operating member reaches its full open position.

' 2 5. The combination with a circuit breaker having a operating membermovable to open and to closed circuit position to open and to close the. circuit, of a control apparatus for said breaker comprising an energy storing driving device, meansincluding a motor for storing energy in said device, said energy storing driving device constituting the only power device. for closing said circuit breaker, means operable to establish a driving connection between said device and said member and to cause said device to move said member to closed circuit position, said mean'sbeing operable during an opening operation of the breaker to effect said driving connection and cause said device to initiate movement of said operating member to closed circuit position before said operating member reaches its full open position, and a trip means operable connection and to cause 'tem. comprising a circuit 7 tively'mo'v'able contact structure, a'single power reclosing operation.

i breaker, operative when" closedfto initiate closing operaticnoi said power motive device, a latch for' releasably holding said circuit breaker in closed circuit position independently of. said power mo 7 an open circuit position and movable to a closed circuit position, of a control-apparatusior said breaker comprising an energy storing driving devic'e'for effecting closing of the breaken's'aid energy storing driving device constituting theorily power device for c'losing saidfcircuit breaker, means-for storing driving energy in Said device prior to eifecting a driving connection of said device to said operating member, means operable to establish a driving connection between; said device and said operating member and to cause said device to move said operating member to closed circuit position, said being operable at a predetermined point in the opening movement of said' member to; halt opene ing movement of said member before said member reaches full open position and return the same to closed circuit positionpandtrip means operable to disestablish said driving connection and toicause movement of said operating mem'- ber to open circuit position. Y i 1 Y 27. Thefl combination with a circuit breaker havingan operating member movableito open and'to closed circuit position to open ,and'to closev the circuit, of a control apparatus for, said breaker comprising a single power closingdevice, said power closing device being the only power device -for closing said circuit breaker, a disengageable clutch operable to establish a driving connection between said device and said member and ,means operable to operate 'said clutch and. cause said device to move said memher to closed .circuitposition, said means being perableduring an opening operation .of'the breaker to establish said driving connection and v causeasaiddevice to initiate movement of said operating member to closed circuit position be-' fore said'opcrating" member reaches itsvfull open position, and atrip meansoperable to release saidldriving connection to cause saidoperating member to be moved to open circuit position 'ir- I respective of the positioncf said'power closing- "deviceh 1 r 28.. A high speed motive .device for actuating said contact structure to closed circuitposition, said'powermotive device constituting the only power device; for actuating said contact structure to closed circuit position, means actuated independently-of the operation offlsaid power motive device for'tripbpingfand causin op'ening' movementof said circuit breaker, and means operated subsequent to saidtripping means and prior to the completion of the opening stroke of-said-circuit breaker to initiate operation of said power motive device to reclose said circuit breaker within a fraction-of the time required for a full stroke opening and 29'. A circuit breaker able contact-structure, actuating-'means comprising a single power motive device for actuating said contact structure toward-closed circuit position, said powermotive device constitutingthe only power, device for closing said circuit control circuit means' having contacts last mentioned'mean's 'circuitbre aker reclosing sys breaker havingrela-.

having relatively movtivedevice, tripping means'op'erable to release said latch to thereby'cause opening of said circuit breaker contact structure; means operated subsequent to said tripping means and prior to completion of the opening stroke of said contact structure to cause closing of'said control contacts and thereby'initiate operation of said power motive device to reclose said contact structure within a fraction of the time required'for a ful1 stroke opening and reclosing operation.-

30; A circuit breaker having relatively movable contact structure, actuating means comprising a single power motive device for actuating said contact structure toward closed circuitiposition, said power motive'dev ice constitutingthe only power device for, closing said circuit breaker, control circuit means having 'contacts operative when closed to initiate closing operation of said power'motive device, a latch for releasably' hold} 7 'pingfmeans operable to release said' latch-to thereby cause opening of said circuit breaker contact structure, rneans operated subsequent to said tripping. means". and prior to completion of the openingfstroke of said contact'structure to. causeclosing of said control contacts and thereby initiate operation of said power'rnotive'device to reclose saidcontact structure within a fraction of the time'required for a full stroke open ing and reclosing operation, and means operable to cause opening of said contact structure irre spective of the condition of said control'circuit means and the position' ofsaid control contacts.

'31. A' high speed circiut breaker rec1osi'ng'systern comprisinga circuit'breaker having re1'atively movable contact 'struct'urea single power motive device for actuating said contact structurertoward closed circuit position, said powerdevice constituting the onlypowerdevijce for clos' ing said circuitbreaker', trip free structure for Vop'eratively' relating saidpower motive device to said circuit breaker. contact structure and'providin'gi mea'n's wherebyfsaid contact structure can be 'trippedjfree of said powermotive device, a

latch for holding saidcontact structure in closed circuit position independentlyof said power motivejidevice', tripping means operable .to' release j said latch tothereby causejo-p'eningrof said 'cir cuit breaker cont'ct structure, and means opjcr ated' subsequent to said trippingmeans and prior to the completion of 'the'opening strokeo'i said circuit breaker to initiate operationof said power motive device to reclose said circuit 'br'eaker 'con tact structure within a fraction of the time w quired for full stroke'opening and reclosing cycle. 82. Ahigh 'speed circuit breaker reclosing, sys' tem comprising a' circuitibreaker having rela-.'

tively movable contact structure, a single power motive device for actuating said contact structure toward closed circuit position, said power deonly power device for clos-g vice constituting the ing said circuit breaker, trip free structure for operatively relating said power motive device to said circuit breaker contact structure and providin'g-means whereby said contact structurefcan be tripped free of 'said power motive device, hold: ing means for holding said contact structure'in closed circuit position independently oi'said '5 power motive device, tripping means cperableto release said holding means to thereby cause opening of said circuit breaker contact structure,

prior to completion of the opening stroke of said circuit sition irrespective of the position of said control contacts.

34. In combination, a circuit breaker having relatively movable contact structure, operating control circuit means including a closing relay of an auxiliary the breaker to close durtermediate open position without allowing said full open position, holding said circuit position independently breaker in closed circuit motive device, a trip device for remeans, and means operable etermined abnormal condiclosing relay.

3-5. In combination, a circuit breaker having relatively movable contact structure, operating means therefor comprising a single power motive device for closing said circuit breekr, power motive device being the only power device for closing said circuit breaker. control circuit means energized in response to the closing of an auxiliary switch operated to closed in response to the initial circuit breaker to at said power motive device to instantly out cally reclose said contact structure from i terme-diate open position without allowing said circuit breaker contact structure to move to .f ill open position, and means operable upon t. curence of predetermined abnormal c to at times cause opening operation of cuit breaker irrespective of the con ergizaticn of said control circuit position of said auxiliary switch,

36. A circuit breaker having relatively inc able contact structure, operating means thereion of (xi) v,

ti'ippifr and povverclosirrg and automatic r k r,- a single power motive derelated to said lever for operatvice for closing s iidcircuit' breaker, to hold said e powei niooperated to closed position during ing movement of initiate operation to reclose said ci opening movement of said circuit breaker operating member, means operated subsequent to said tripping means and prior to the completion of the opening stroke of said operating member to initiate operati said power motive device to reclose said circuit breaker operating member within spring in flexed poa predetermined in termediate point in the opening stroke of said breaker-to I release said spring means for instantly effecting quick reclosure of said circuit breaker, and means for releasing said circuit breaker from said spring means in response to predetermined abnormal conditions to allow said circuit breaker to trip open free of said spring means circuit breaker to closed circuit position, tripfree structure for operatively relating said spring means to said. circuit breaker, means for at times releasing said spring means at a predetermined intermediatepoint in the opening stroke of said reaker toinitiate quick reclosing operation of the breaker prior to completion of the openin stroke thereof, and means operable in response to predetermined abnormal conditions upon re- 0 closing of the circuit for causing said trip-free structure to trip said circuit breakeriree of said spring means.

dOSEPH w. owl 

